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		With a busy football schedule and games taking place all year long, it is vital that players and organisers play close attention to the weather forecasts.	Key Points Players generally change the studs on their boots when the conditions under-foot are wet. Many pitches will have underground drainage systems to take excess water out of the ground. When the weather is dry, the ball can be quite difficult to control. Also in BBC Weather Football Weather Also in the BBC BBC Sport - Football BBC Sport Academy Disclaimer The BBC is not responsible for the content of external websites.

	Nowadays football is played virtually the whole year around, with league games, internationals, European championships and so on. On top of that our players not only play here at home, but also go abroad and can experience a variety of climates, which they have to be aware of because it will affect the way they play the game The wet weather and football One thing which undoubtedly affects football games in the UK is the wet weather. Rain before a match can make the surface very soft, and make it difficult to keep your footing. Players generally change the studs on their boots when the conditions under-foot are wet. Longer studs mean they can get more grip on the surface. Many pitches will have underground drainage systems to take excess water out of the ground, however at smaller venues, this luxury isn’t available, and the pitch can have water sitting on the surface, which will affect the run of the ball played along the ground, and therefore increase the skill and control needed by the players. Visibility Heavy rain will also have an impact on visibility, making it harder for team-mates to see each other and their opponents, and also make it more difficult to see the ball. All of these factors will mean players will have to think about their moves a lot quicker. Fog and mist will also affect visibility and for the referee this can be crucial because it is important he sees what is going on in the game. Cold weather Cold weather is quite frequent during a British winter, so the players should be quite used to it. Some players wear additional clothing to keep their body heat warm and some wear gloves to keep the chill off their hands. If wind is included in the equation, the situation can be a lot more unpleasant, and it makes it increasingly important for the players to warm-up correctly so they don’t pull muscles, which are more likely in colder conditions. The coldness can cause the loss of body heat and if the players aren’t prepared for this, it can be quite dangerous for their health Wind The wind can also play a big part on the game as it can affect the direction the ball goes. Kicking the ball off the ground in the wind involves a lot more skill as the players have to take into consideration which way the wind is blowing, because it will carry the ball. Wind can affect the direction of the ball Tactically, it might be decided to keep the ball low to the ground in very windy conditions to increase the chances of holding onto possession of it. For goalkeepers it can be very difficult to save balls which swerve in the wind, and when they are trying to take a goal kick, the wind can carry the ball, possibly reducing the advantage such a situation. Dry and hot When the weather is dry, the ball can again be quite difficult to control. The ball can bounce along the surface, so the skill of the players is again called for. If the surface is particularly hard, many players will wear moulded studs on their boots, because otherwise blisters can be a problem. Some clubs spray their pitches just before a game when conditions are particularly dry, to make it a bit quicker. Hot conditions and even humidity will mean increased perspiration for the players, and therefore an increased risk of dehydration. It is therefore important for them to replenish liquids at every opportunity. This heat can also increase the chance of the players suffering with cramp, which can end the game for an individual in severe cases.

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